At the onset of panic attacks or disorder, it is best to go see your doctor immediately and have it evaluated as this will not only give you a clear understanding of what condition you are undergoing but this could also prevent the aggravation of the disorder. Here are several possible scenarios if you do not get panic attacks intervention immediately:
Agoraphobia. Contrary to public belief, agoraphobia is not the fear of closed spaces. It is actually fear of public places basing from the Greek root word "agora" which means market or marketplace. Agoraphobics fear interaction with people especially in places where they expect to experience episodes of panic or anxiety. Panic attacks and agoraphobia are often closely connected as these disorders exhibit identical symptoms such as shortness of breath, the sensation of dying or going crazy, and the feeling of having heart attack.
Over-dependence on psychotherapeutic medications specifically anti-anxiety disorder medications. People suffering from panic attacks and could not get hold of themselves are often helped by medications to control their symptoms. But for those who cannot muster enough initiative to resolve their condition without having to rely on medications are often enclosed within the idea of medication as the ultimate solution against panic attacks.
While over-dependence on medication to control the symptoms of panic attacks is not the same as addiction to the medications, this behavior still poses serious possible problems since those people who become dependent on drugs oftentimes fail to utilize other more effective treatments. They can also become too dependent that they would fail to function properly without the necessary dosage of particular drugs.
Further, although dependence on medications is not an entirely negative solution, in fact for some people it is the most effective, it should be remembered that it is not the only solution. There are less intensive, less invasive, but equally appropriate and effective therapies and methods that are typically overlooked due to too much dependence on panic attack drugs.
Depression. 20% of panic attack patients are likely to commit suicide, a typical outcome of depression, at one time or another, says research. The connection between panic attacks and depression can be viewed from several different standpoints. According to an explanation for example, depression develops from a person's exhaustion caused by chronic anxiety that typically accompany such attacks.
Another explanation purports to the fact that those people with panic attacks and also have developed serious cases of agoraphobia are prevented from socializing with other people and from doing the things that they previously enjoyed, leading to a general feeling of isolation and unhappiness. This further leads to the development of episodes of depression.
Diabetes. It is not uncommon to find people who are suffering from panic attacks and also have indications of comorbid disorders, an example of which is diabetes. Research shows that people with diabetes and who also experienced intermittent episodes of panic attacks are less likely to live quality lives and are also more likely to develop complications. Among people with diabetes, panic attacks as well as depression impede them from efficiently monitoring and controlling their blood glucose level.
Substance abuse. Chronic misuse of alcohol and other unhealthy substances is a coping mechanism against negative conditions such as behavioral disorders. So long as the condition that caused the chronic use of substances exists, in this case panic attacks, the negative resolution will persist.
